#ATBR2020 – The Dilemma by B.A. Paris

B.A. Paris will always have a special place in my heart because this is the author that brought Chandra and I together when we were discussing BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. Now look where we are – at least 4 years later!

Thanks to St Martin’s Press for the free early copies in exchange for our honest reviews

THE DILEMMA – B.A. Paris (Released June 30th, 2020)

You can see our thoughts on her other books: BRING ME BACK (here) and THE BREAKDOWN (here)

Book Description:

It’s Livia’s fortieth birthday and tonight she’s having a party, a party she’s been planning for a long time. The only person missing will be her daughter, Marnie.

But Livia has a secret, a secret she’s been keeping from Adam, her husband, until the party is over. Because how can she tell him that although she loves Marnie, she’s glad their daughter won’t be there to celebrate with her?

Adam is determined everything will be just right for Livia and the party is going to be perfect… until he learns something that will leave him facing an unbearable decision.

Chandra’s Thoughts: 3.5/5 stars

I think when people see B.A. Paris, they automatically assume thriller.  Readers beware, this is NOT that.  This is domestic suspense.  So adjust your expectations and then enjoy this very deep dive into the human psyche and how we deal with a potential shock to the system and how that shock may resonate with everyone else around us.

What I loved about this read is Paris’s writing style.  As usual, it’s compelling and easy to binge.  This particular read is extremely somber so it can seem a bit too much at times and seem to drag in places.  However, take into account the actual time span that is happening within the storyline and adjust that to just how fast or slow this time might feel towards the Adam and Livia and what they’re going through during these hours.

There are some definitely frustrating moments within this read.  You’ll want to throttle some of the characters for what they’re doing…. and what they’re NOT doing.  OMG, COMMUNICATE PEOPLE!  There were times where I was like JUST TELL HER/HIM/THEM.  Call.  Find out.  What the hell are you doing?!  But you just never know how you would react in any life altering situations until you’re actually put in them, right?  There was just a couple things I couldn’t quite wrap my head around that keeps me from absolutely loving this read.  I will say that I did tear up at quite a few scenes and my heart was feeling it.

I just want to go hug my parents now.

My Thoughts: 3/5 stars

After reading BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, B.A. Paris quickly became an auto-buy author for me. Most people going into her newest, THE DILEMMA, might be expecting another crazy thriller, but this is more of a domestic suspense novel. So that’s definitely good to keep in mind before starting. While the writing is still really addictive and you’ll find yourself wanting to continue turning the pages, there were a couple lulls for me. I did like the short span of time that the story covers. Those in-the-moment books are always fun.

Secrets will tear relationships apart, but so will trying to keep them hidden. Livia and Adam are getting ready to host a long anticipated party at their home, but thing are threatening to come to light and both are determined to keep their secrets guarded. We get alternating perspectives as the day continues on and it fills in bits and pieces as we go. The lack of communication in this is so frustrating. I know I’m not the only reader that was getting angry about it.

If you’re a fan of B.A. Paris’s writing, then I think you’ll enjoy THE DILEMMA. Remember, it’s a domestic drama/suspense, not a fast-paced thriller, before starting. That will help you get in the right mindset for what’s about to unfold. She continues to be an auto-buy author for me and I can’t wait to see what she will release next.